Padres star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. set to make first career start at second base
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres was set to make his first big league career start at second base on Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies. It will also be the first infield start since 2021 for Tatis, who began his career at shortstop before moving to the outfield and becoming a two-time NL Platinum Glove Award winner.
He's become better known in recent seasons for leaping and reaching over the wall to rob home runs than turning double plays. Rookie manager Craig Stammen said the move has been planned for a while in order to give shortstop Xander Bogaerts a day off. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth started at shortstop.
Nick Castellanos started in right field. “We felt like Tatis was the best option at second base and the most fun and exciting option at second base,” said Stammen, who added that it could also be an option when Cronenworth needs a night off. “Get that kid smiling a little bit might help, too.
" Tatis’ only other appearance at second base was in the ninth inning on Sept. 6, 2023, in a 5-1 loss to Philadelphia. Tatis has struggled offensively, hitting just .
189 with no home runs and five RBIs. He had a productive World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic, hitting . 400 with two homers and 11 RBIs.